Crynodeb
Background
Despite Rugby sevens being an Olympic sport there is a paucity of research on how to coach it. For an emerging sevens nation like Hong Kong, where participant numbers are limited, the quality of coaching is a key area to focus upon to enhance performance.
Methods
Over a 12-week period, the aim of this study was to utilise collaborative action research (CAR) with four professional coaches (including myself) within a professional rugby sevens environment to develop coaching practice. The data generated over four action research cycles included focus groups, observations, and reflective diaries.
Findings
Through CAR the coaches in this study became more conscious of their delivery during practice, namely their individual and collective feedback, being more deliberate in the planning of and reflecting upon their practice, and more aware of how to collaborate effectively. The key challenges encountered by the coaches were finding appropriate moments to intervene in practice to deliver feedback, a lack of role clarity whilst coaching as a group, and perceived power relations between coaches. Difficulties of my dual role of coach and researcher included the balance of having empathy for the stresses of professional coaching whilst striving to provide rich accounts for research. These challenges posed issues surrounding conflict management and power relations amongst the group of coaches.
Conclusion
Despite the inevitable challenges of working within a social group, the practical implications from this study suggest CAR can provide coaches with a voice and reposition them as co-creators of actionable knowledge. This study presents some of the realistic challenges and opportunities that adopting a CAR approach can provide to coaches who want to collaboratively improve the quality of their practice.
Despite Rugby sevens being an Olympic sport there is a paucity of research on how to coach it. For an emerging sevens nation like Hong Kong, where participant numbers are limited, the quality of coaching is a key area to focus upon to enhance performance.
Methods
Over a 12-week period, the aim of this study was to utilise collaborative action research (CAR) with four professional coaches (including myself) within a professional rugby sevens environment to develop coaching practice. The data generated over four action research cycles included focus groups, observations, and reflective diaries.
Findings
Through CAR the coaches in this study became more conscious of their delivery during practice, namely their individual and collective feedback, being more deliberate in the planning of and reflecting upon their practice, and more aware of how to collaborate effectively. The key challenges encountered by the coaches were finding appropriate moments to intervene in practice to deliver feedback, a lack of role clarity whilst coaching as a group, and perceived power relations between coaches. Difficulties of my dual role of coach and researcher included the balance of having empathy for the stresses of professional coaching whilst striving to provide rich accounts for research. These challenges posed issues surrounding conflict management and power relations amongst the group of coaches.
Conclusion
Despite the inevitable challenges of working within a social group, the practical implications from this study suggest CAR can provide coaches with a voice and reposition them as co-creators of actionable knowledge. This study presents some of the realistic challenges and opportunities that adopting a CAR approach can provide to coaches who want to collaboratively improve the quality of their practice.
| Iaith wreiddiol | Saesneg |
|---|---|
| Tudalennau (o-i) | 1-14 |
| Nifer y tudalennau | 14 |
| Cyfnodolyn | Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy |
| Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs) | |
| Statws | Cyhoeddwyd - 15 Hyd 2024 |